Marty Walsh

Boston City Officials Take Steps to Prevent Violence Ahead of Warm Weather

City officials said overall crime in the Boston area is down but the average age of the victim of a crime has jumped from 25 to 30 in recent years

As temperatures begin to increase in the Boston area, city officials say so does the crime rate. Authorities are taking steps to prevent violence before it starts.

"There is an uptick in violence in the summertime," said Boston Police Commissioner William Gross. "So why be reactionary? We're saying be proactive."

On Monday, the police commissioner joined Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, local clergy members, and other city leaders to plot a so-called summer safety strategy.

"We want the community to know that we are working," said Rollins. "This is our job to solve crime, not yours. but we do need your help in the process."

City officials said overall crime in the Boston area is down but the average age of the victim of a crime has jumped from 25 to 30 in recent years. This group will be the focus of new programs this summer.

"We had a long lengthy discussion about about reaching out to that targeted population and how we can create better services," Walsh.

Police said they plan to target neighborhoods that often see an increase in violence during the summer months. Clergy also pledge to do its part in helping to make the streets safe by connecting with people who might need assistance.

"I'm trying to find more effective ways to to the reach them and to seek more resources offered," said Rev. Gary Adams of Morning Star Baptist Church.

Officials said they're hoping the 10,000 jobs the city makes available for young people during the summer will help decrease violence.

Contact Us